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Antiquated Lady's Bout With a Blizzard

An old lady sat near a window, near a window looking out. With her radio going she sat there sewing, with an occasional look about. On her thumb she wore a thimble, as she pulled the thread so nimble, enjoying the light, While the weatherman’s voice was blaring, declaring a storm in sight. She began to hurry, and to worry about her Sam. Had he heard the early morning warning from the weatherman? While she sat there stewing, the storm greater brewing, she thought about her man. “He could work much longer, if only he was stronger— he does the best he can.” The skies grew darker and her thoughts grew starker in the afternoon. “Upper air disturbance; expecting turbulence with night coming soon.” While she debated, the storm accelerated from the north. With clouds unloading her thoughts grew foreboding, as she paced back and forth, Qualms of duress she expressed about her Sam. “Was he wet and freezing? Was he cold and sneezing? Poor old Sam!” The northern air was gusting as she began thrusting shut the door, From freezing rain fast falling, while for Sam she was calling as she paced the floor. Back at the weather station a strange situation was spreading forth. Not so far away an arctic foray pushed from the north. It hardly took a wizard to see the shaping blizzard hiding every star, A whirling cloud formation showed its concentration on the isobar. Suddenly she started walking, while talking to her Sam. Once she stopped to listen, ignoring the snow that glistened— then she ran. She must’ve been unsightly as the lights shown on her brightly from a car, Driven by her daughter, doing things she taught her, searching near and far. “Mother! It’s me, Mabel. You know you’re not able to be out in the cold! Look how hard it’s snowing with the wind so cold and blowing. Forgive me if I scold. Finding you not there, I looked everywhere up and down the street. You’ve come too far, so get in the car and dry your feet.” “Mabel . . . Pa went out this morning . . . but he had no warning the weather would be severe.” “Oh, my mother dear, please come here, come here. Dad’s been gone a year!” Suddenly the old lady was weary, her eyes old and bleary, her body weak and cold. She had no coat nor jacket, but in her hand a packet—Sam’s picture she did hold.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2011




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Date: 1/7/2011 5:23:00 PM
I was captivated by this woman's story, James. I come from a family of seamstresses and I saw my grandmother looking out and worrying about her husband. Your final verse gave me chills. Yes, this does happen as our memories fade, but I was not prepared to hear Sam had been gone a year. You are so talented! I'm adding this poem to my favorite poems list and you to my favorite poets list. Thanks for your encouragement. I look forward to reading more of your work. Carolyn
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Date: 1/6/2011 7:03:00 AM
Good one..The surprise ending added frosting to the cake..Enjoyed....Keep the gifted hand busy..Your kind reviews of my work add a spark to my life..Sara
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Date: 1/5/2011 6:54:00 PM
sad thoughts, well written. in the last line did you mean jacket?
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Book: Shattered Sighs